– On a separate note, I do not agree with the opinions of some owners that believe CTE is not linked to the sport of football. This being said, no one should be surprised these are their viewpoints. They are old guys who bought/inherited football teams when guys like Steve Atwater, Jack Lambert, Chuck Noll, and Derrick Thomas were delivering blows to the head more than they were tackling guys and it was considered okay, if not awesome. Of course they aren’t going to have “progressive” viewpoints on these issues. They were born in a different time.

– I will also add that the most recent president of the AFCA, Tommy Tuberville, also a former head coach for the University of Cincinnati, gave a speech at the American Football Coaches Association Convention in Texas last January. I attended his speech more or less because it was a precursor to Steve Spurrier’s speech that occurred directly after his and if you know Steve Spurrier from his time on ESPN, he is very entertaining to listen to. Anyway, Coach Tuberville spoke for the first five minutes about how great it is to be a coach and what great work we are all doing which was basically, typical crowd-pandering stuff that people would notice more if he didn’t mention it at all. I get it. After that though, he said something that caught my attention: He began to passionately argue that the media is trying to blow up injuries, specifically ones that happen to the head, because they want to destroy the game of football and then he reiterated that the injuries that happen in football are no different than any other sport. He then brought a guy up who was he founder for a support program for athletes with permanent disabilities (can’t remember what it was) and he started off his speech very awkwardly by telling us that he is not in support of the media’s agenda to ruin football.

Take with that what you will, I don’t support those ideas either. Safety is one of the requirements when coaching athletes and it would be hard for me to not take head related injuries into consideration for my player’s well-being. Just be let it known that coaches, especially older ones, are really having a hard time accepting that head related injuries and football are directly connected.

If it makes you feel any better though, athletic trainers are first and foremost responsible for whether athletes get to take the field or not at the high school level all the way up to the pro level. If the trainer says the player cannot play, he cannot play. Coaches that try to circumvent the issue by bullying or coercing such trainers are liable for gross negligence. The athletic trainers are the first and last call on player health.

Preach!

“Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated – Confucius

Published by

Dubs

I am a film coordinator for a FCS school. I am glad to be around the game of football and had the chance to learn from a lot of great people. I wouldn't be where I am without the gracious support of my family, coaches, assistants, and players.
I also greatly appreciate you guys who take the time to read my stuff and show genuine appreciation. It means a ton! You guys are awesome!
Twitter Handle: @FBDubs
View all posts by Dubs